By AFT Editorial • Last Update: September 30, 2025
Black Angelfish are freshwater color morphs of the common angelfish Pterophyllum scalare, selectively bred for deep melanistic coloration. Keep them in a tall, well-filtered aquarium (30–55+ gallons), soft-to-moderately hard water, stable warmth (24–28 °C), and a peaceful community with compatible tank mates.
This guide explains how to identify Black vs. Black Lace vs. Double Dark morphs, set the right tank size and water parameters, choose safe tank mates, and build a practical feeding and maintenance routine. A beginner checklist and common mistakes section help you avoid the pitfalls that stress angelfish and lead to fin nips, stunting, or disease.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pterophyllum scalare (freshwater angelfish; Black/Black Lace/Double Dark are captive-bred morphs) |
| Group / Family | Cichlidae (South American cichlids) |
| Origin | Captive-bred morph of a species native to the Amazon basin and tributaries |
| Adult size | Body 4–6 in (10–15 cm); total height with fins up to 8–10 in (20–25 cm) |
| Minimum tank size | 30 gal tall for a single or pair; 55+ gal for a small group |
| Lifespan | 8–12 years with good care |
| Diet | Omnivore: quality flakes/pellets, frozen/live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms), veggie matter |
| Temperament | Generally peaceful cichlid; territorial when breeding; may eat very small fish |
| Water parameters | Temperature: 76–82 °F (24–28 °C) pH: ~6.2–7.4 (slightly acidic to neutral) Hardness: 3–10 dGH; keep ammonia/nitrite 0; nitrates < 20–30 ppm |
The Black Angelfish is a stunning, captive-bred color morph of the common freshwater Angelfish. Renowned for its deep, velvety black coloration and classic, elegant shape, it stands out as a dramatic centerpiece in any well-maintained aquarium. Its majestic presence and interesting behaviors make it a favorite among both intermediate and experienced aquarists. You’ll most often encounter two closely related looks:
Both morphs retain the tall, disc-like body and elongated dorsal/anal fins typical of angelfish. Juveniles are smaller and may show faint vertical bars until the black pigment fills in fully with age; adults display longer fins and a fuller body profile. Sexual dimorphism is subtle—males may develop a slightly broader head profile and more extended dorsal/anal fin tips, but the most reliable differentiation is visible only during spawning via the breeding tubes (female blunt/rounded; male narrower/pointed).
Pro Tip: Maximizing Their Velvety Black Color
While genetics play the biggest role, you can significantly enhance the deep, velvety black of your angelfish through diet and environment. Feed them foods rich in natural color enhancers like astaxanthin and carotenoids. High-quality pellets often contain this, but supplementing with frozen krill and daphnia a few times a week works wonders. Additionally, keeping them on a dark substrate with a black background not only creates visual contrast but also makes the fish feel more secure, encouraging them to display their deepest, richest colors.
Black Angelfish are generally calm, mid-water cruisers that establish loose territories around wood or tall plants. In groups, a pecking order forms; occasional chasing is normal, especially at feeding times or during courtship. Because they’re cichlids, they become decidedly more territorial while breeding and will defend a patch of leaves or a flat surface where they lay eggs. Provide visual barriers and vertical structure to break line-of-sight and keep stress low.
They are not fin-nippers but can be the target of nippers (long fins invite trouble). They may opportunistically eat very small fish or fry. Keep with appropriately sized, peaceful tank mates and avoid hyperactive or aggressive species that outcompete them at mealtimes.
Minimum for a single/pair is a 30-gallon tall footprint (more height benefits their long fins). For a small group (4–6 juveniles to allow pairing), start at 55–75 gallons. Use a gentle-to-moderate flow—angelfish prefer calm mid-water areas rather than strong current.
Keep water warm and stable: 76–82 °F (24–28 °C) is the sweet spot. pH ~6.2–7.4 and 3–10 dGH hardness suit most captive-bred Black morphs. They tolerate neutral municipal water if stable, but abrupt swings in pH, temperature, or TDS cause stress that invites infection.
Black Angelfish are omnivores. Base the diet on a quality angelfish pellet or flake with added carotenoids and vitamins, then rotate frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, blackworms) for condition and breeding readiness. Include occasional veggie matter (spirulina flakes, blanched spinach) to round out micronutrients.
As members of the cichlid family, angelfish can be semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly as they mature and pair off for breeding.
Black morphs look stunning against planted backgrounds. Try a layered layout: Vallisneria for height and vertical lines; Amazon swords and Echinodorus hybrids for broad leaves (possible spawning sites); floating plants (frogbit, water lettuce) to dapple light and calm surface movement. Root tabs for heavy root feeders; keep CO2 moderate if used—angels appreciate stable pH and O2 levels. Avoid sharp decorations that might snag long fins.
Breeding Black Angelfish can be a rewarding experience. They are substrate spawners and form monogamous pairs.
For more freshwater types, see our Freshwater Angelfish pillar.
They are freshwater morphs of Pterophyllum scalare, selectively bred for dark melanistic coloration.
Black Lace is typically a single-dose dark gene showing some underlying pattern; Double Dark (often called Black) appears deeper and more uniformly black.
A 30-gallon tall tank suits a single or pair. Keep groups in 55 gallons or larger to provide height and reduce territorial stress.
76–82°F (24–28°C), pH about 6.2–7.4, and 3–10 dGH. Keep ammonia and nitrite at 0, nitrates under 20–30 ppm.
Feed a quality pellet or flake as a staple and rotate frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, plus occasional veggie matter.
They are generally peaceful but become territorial when breeding. Provide visual barriers and adequate space to reduce conflicts.
Yes, choose larger, peaceful tetras kept in groups. Very small species may be eaten by adult angelfish.
They commonly live 8–12 years with stable water, a varied diet, and consistent maintenance.
Plants are not mandatory but strongly recommended for cover, stress reduction, and potential spawning sites.
Sexing is difficult when young. During spawning, females show a blunt, larger breeding tube; males have a narrower, pointed tube.
Yes. A single angelfish can be a calm centerpiece fish when housed with compatible tank mates.
Plan 25–40% weekly water changes. Increase frequency if nitrates creep up or if you keep a heavily stocked tank.
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